WACO, Texas — The NCEA is proud to announce the winners of the 2017 NCEA Distinguished Alumni Awards. These awards are presented to women who, after the completion of their undergraduate degree at an NCEA institution, have made significant contributions in a professional field.

Distinguished Alumni are recognized in eight categories including Business, Community Engagement, Education, Equine Industry (Rider/Trainer/Coach), Equine Industry (Medical/Business), Health Sciences/Services, Media & Communication, and Young Alumni. Distinguished Alumni are separated from their institution for at least 6 years prior to nomination and are recognized as distinguished in the following areas: academic success, athletic success, outstanding service contributions, and post-graduate success.

Each NCEA team had the opportunity to nominate one alumni in each category. The nominations were reviewed by a selection committee and shared with the NCEA Board of Directors. The 2017 Distinguished Alumni will be recognized at the Opening Ceremony of the NCEA National Championship event scheduled for Wednesday, April 12 at the Extraco Center in Waco, Texas.

The following alumni have been selected as recipients of the 2017 NCEA Distinguished Alumni Awards:

Business: Shelby White (Baylor)
Community Engagement: Kelsy Abell (UT Martin)
Education: Jessica Leatherwood (Texas A&M)
Equine (Rider/Trainer/Coach): Ruth Sorrel (South Carolina)
Equine (Medical/Business): Viviana Dunlap (Texas A&M)
Health Sciences/Services: Brittany Kasprack (UT Martin)
Media & Communication: Jennifer Wood (South Carolina)
Young Alumni: Paige Linne (Texas A&M)